I have always been a fan of the Jeep Brand, even though I come from a (cough…GM…cough) family where my dad worked for 40 years. Enter the Jeep Renegade 4×4 Limited and all the hearts and arrows appear. It’s smaller than its big brothers Cherokee and Wrangler, but just as powerful. The redesign checks off of a laundry list of features that will appeal to a cross section of drivers.
On approach or checking out the rear, the look is guaranteed to conjure up a smile. Automatic Headlights and Cornering Fog Lamps that keeps that Jeep DNA in tact, frame a slotted honeycomb grille and lower vents. A subtle scoop on the hood gives the Renegade a ‘lil edge and the swag carries over and on to the rear profile. Even the taillights scream look at me with the ‘x-marks-the-spot’ design element. And the Bright Exhaust Tip is a sexy lil’ accent.
Outside of navigating through the pothole-laden streets of Southern California, off-roading didn’t happen during this test drive; but with the horrible condition of these streets, it sure felt like it. Smooth is its approach, the Renegade 4×4 Limited is true crossover. Fluid and agile, the Renegade 4×4 was a pleasure to roll around the streets in. Powered by a 2.4-Liter I4 MultiAir ® Engine and 9-Speed 948TE Automatic Transmission, the Renegade earns its place on the Jeep roaster. All the creature comforts that Jeep is known for like 18-inch wheels, Selec-Terrain™ System, All-Speed Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control. One of my favorite features is the Hill Start Assist. If you have ever ventured north to Hollywood via La Cienega, you know that stairway to heaven-inspired landing. The seemingly 45-degree angle causes drivers to pray for a merciful green light and thank God you aren’t in a manual. This is where the Hill Start Assist shines and rollbacks are a thing of the past. While I was having fun commanding the road, gas mileage wasn’t much of a thought. A combined 24-MPG (21-city and 29-highway) can offer a respectable respite from the gas station.
The safety factor of this Renegade 4×4 is on point. Airbags (Supplemental-Side Curtain Front and Rear, Supplemental Front Seat-Mounted and Advanced Multistage Front), Anti-Lock 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, Electronic Roll Mitigation and Parkview™ Rear Back-Up Camera keeps your safety game tight.
Interior space may not be as abundant as its big brothers, but it still boast 5-seater capability. The 40/20/40 Rear Seat with trunk Pass-Thru configuration offers great options for seating and storage. Features like solid surfaces, Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls, Leather Wrapped Accents (Heated Steering Wheel, Shift Knob, Bucket Seats), Ambient LED Interior Lighting, 8-Way Power Heated Driver Seat and Manual 4-Way Heated Passenger Seat and a Cluster 7-inch TFT Color Display rock out the interior.
The optional Customer Preferred Package, adds SiriusXM Satellite Radio with Navigation and GPS, Uconnect® 6.5AN AM/FM/HD Radio, 6.5-inch Touchscreen Display, Uconnect ® Access via Mobile Delete, SiriusXM Travel Link ™ and SiriusXM Traffc™ and Tonneau Cover.
The perfect blend of the utilitarian legacy of the jeep brand and modern-day options make the Renegade 4×4 Limited the ideal mode of transportation on any terrain…even the urban jungle.
MSRP $29,110 and for more info click here.